The Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill Compared to the Lodge Sportsman’s Grill

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

That was a thorough comparison! I like that the bail fits both... if I ever do purchase the “Pro”, I have a feeling I’d lose one of those handles. Thanks for the channel mention, and I am especially happy to have helped you obtain a replacement grate for the original Sportsman’s Grill....... they might be hard to get soon.

[@BigLewBBQ]

I am very grateful. Pun is intended.

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

@@BigLewBBQ 😂🤣😂👍🏻

[@PeteK-01]

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. Thank you for the video!

[@wippdriver1]

Great review! I prefer the original, should have bought one years ago...

[@BigLewBBQ]

The new one is quite good too. The old one also has issues, yet both are great grill.

[@BrisketMedic]

Nice side by side review. I think I’m going to look for the older version, not sure I like the ash drawer and no coal access

[@cheftomsd]

In the restaurant business we call the flat grill grids, "fish grids". They are easier to grill fish with less stick. I use these grids for everything. Oil them with salad oil and a silicone brush, get rid of the spray cans.

[@62dobie]

I appreciate your love for grills. You make watching and learning easy.

[@pappy451]

i use my Lodge Sportsman's grill every Saturday ! i can cook 2 steaks , one inch thick in about 18 minutes , AND THEY ARE PERFECT MEDIUM RARE ! as i recall , they went for about $100 . the new " PRO " is around $180 . i prefer the old style . " new " does not always mean " better " . but being " discoed " means you'll have to find one used . or pay through the nose for a new/old stock one .

[@BigLewBBQ]

I wish Lodge would offer both styles. I do expect the price to come down once the grill hits retail stores and online venders other than Lodge’s own website.

[@godamgg4478]

@@BigLewBBQ they offer replacement parts for the old one, just buy all the parts. its the same price as the new one though

[@pappy451]

@Jason Cromartie thanks for the heads up ! going to order one now ! edit: just looked at wally worlds website . . . only the new style shown .😖

[@jungga7648]

Chills! Magnificient. I'm thrilled! I watched again! Peace!

[@toddknittle8348]

Excellent review! You hit all the key points. The food that comes off of the Sportsman it is incredible. It sips charcoal and is plenty portable.

[@gmcguy]

Stopped by for the review but loved the history and sorry to hear about your wife passing

[@tri-tipjunkie]

Thanks for a great comparison review BL. Very helpful

[@actionA06]

I have the old version, picked it up in the clearance aisle for 40 bucks at wally world many years ago . Need to break it out and reseason it ... wish I had grabbed 2 of them

[@brucesheehe6305]

God Bless Your Family - Charcoal all the way! Remember charcoal is not lump hardwood char. Sir, you are an expert!

[@EssayonsFG]

This was a great comparison, Big Lew! Nice hearing all that history.

[@BigLewBBQ]

It is a general summary, as I understand it to be.

[@stevan1023]

Just picked up an original one today. Found it online for free!! Great reviews 👌

[@BigLewBBQ]

You will love it!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Thanks for sharing this comparison video. Cheers, Big Lew! ✌️

[@johnrawlings2161]

Nice video, God bless your wife, you, and your family! Sending good vibes from Southern Maryland!

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Much rather have the original, I personally don’t like the design of the new one, thanks for the video👍

[@BigLewBBQ]

Well, since I made this video, I have come to really appreciate the new one.

[@rstumbaugh43]

Hey Big Lew, that was a very through comparison between the 2 models, very in-depth and detailed!! Thank you for making and posting

[@PaulieDetmurds]

I wonder if with heat expansion, does that base level off, and it teeters only when cold? Big Lew, you have a trusted voice, and kind of a trusted face! lol Great video Brother, you rock young man!

[@marklowery3686]

Lew, Does the Grill Grate for the New Pro Grill fit the bearing points for the old Version, or more importantly to Me, does it fit an Original Birmingham Stove Work grill?

[@henq]

Great features comparison... But how do they compare cooking wise?

[@BackwoodsGourmetChannel]

You did a great job with this review video. I have one in the box right now waiting to to be filmed.

[@BigLewBBQ]

We’ve all been waiting for yours! Thank you for stopping buy my channel! It really means a lot that you did. Since, filming this and the other two reviews, I have since noticed an issue with the Pro. When cooking really greasy foods like burgers or anything wrapped in bacon. Grease can leak out the bottom. This won’t be an issue for the steel Dutch oven table that you cook on or the drum that I cook on. Because those are easy to clean up. However, if someone has a table they want to keep pretty or a steel mesh table so that grease leaks though to the deck or patio below. They need to be made aware of this. In my follow up video that should come out in a week or so, I will address this issue.

[@janstewart2041]

Wish I got the old one also, still waiting on the kick off and the pro to ship out

[@BigLewBBQ]

I like all three

[@janstewart2041]

@@BigLewBBQ love the lodge grills

[@guacaquio]

The original one is fy far the best grill ever produced

[@miksUSA777]

would still Prefer the Old one as it is easier to put additional coals without LIFTING your food and Grill. Thanks for the comparison 👍

[@BigLewBBQ]

I did like the old one but I prefer the new one.

[@adalbertogomesmacedofilho2919]

Hello friend - thanks for clarifying my doubts here in Brazil - do you know if it is still possible to find the "old" model ? :)

[@BigLewBBQ]

Maybe, find a used one.

[@Unwrapasmile]

Great comparison Big Lew always enjoy watching thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the cooks that will be coming.

[@PaddyJoeCooking]

This was a very comprehensive comparison video Big Lew, most imformative!!!

[@howarddeheer8295]

I have a Bsr 2 lodge a older and a newer and lodge outpost hoping for new 1 this year

[@khmericankitchenseeds8776]

I have the old version and love it. I bought it for the purpose of cooking and heating indoors , in the event that the power down long duration.

[@charlesbrakeville5825]

I like love your Tech hat!!! HBTD!!!! GO DOGS!!! Good review.

[@kentcostello5286]

I got to get me one. I got 2 of the old ones and I love them at deer camp & tailgating. Looks awesome and ezy.

[@matthewhunter6421]

Considering how long the charcoal burns, I couldn't imagine needing to add more during a cook, and it's not as of you couldn't lift the grate of needed. I just cooked for the first time on my new version today. Worked awesome

[@lovelyhome9459]

Thank you! It's good to know the history of the grill

[@BigLewBBQ]

You’re welcome

[@podboq2]

Without reading any of the other comments - Lodge’s logo in the old model should have been cast in reverse so it seared legibly into food.

[@slarena3020]

I think the old one still good you have access to add charcoal not removing the top part

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

I got the original back in 2020 pre pandemic. Paid 60 bucks on eBay new in the box. I can see advantages with the new one

[@BigLewBBQ]

I really like the new one.

[@devinmoran59]

Any tips for keeping it outside full time, what would the maintenance look like as far as rust goes? Would it be constant? Or monthly

[@BigLewBBQ]

I keep mine under a covered patio. It outside exposed to temperature and humidity, but not direct sunlight and it out of the rain. I would not suggest keeping in the rain or direct sunlight.,

[@dunkmaster9111]

Your the man Big Lew!!!

[@waynethebarber1095]

I just bought a IronMaster cast iron grill off the net. It looks like the top of the new grill with the cole door and air slide on on the bottom from the Sportsmans grill. It was the same price as the new grill and about the same size. I have not tried it yet, but to me it looks like a winner.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Some folks say it’s a good grill. I also have a Cajun Classic cast iron grill and I love it.

[@mikedtubey]

Great Video! Thanks for your story. Sorry your loss of your wife!!!

[@app4902]

I admire lodge for making innovative American products that aren’t stupid expensive. I like them and channellock because of this

[@BigLewBBQ]

Me too

[@joerockme7485]

It’s hard to say no to Lodge, Good stuff 👍😎

[@BigLewBBQ]

Well, I’ve since discovered an issue with this grill. But it isn’t a deal breaker at least shouldn’t be for most. I will be addressing it.

[@deanhenthorn1890]

Surprised to see the Lodge one with the peg that the handle is attached to. My Lodge grill has a closed ends where the wire handle is attached. Otherwise that grill is the same as mine. BSR made a model with the peg attachments.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Lodge did to until 2012.

[@johnlane2010]

Super informative and helpful- thank you!

[@waynesmith896]

Bought my Sportsman Grill about 6 years ago or so and love it, but I'm concerned about ever needing replacement parts since it's been discontinued, does Lodge still make the parts or no?

[@BigLewBBQ]

They were still on the website last I checked.

[@jonklein7130]

Yes I just bought some parts today

[@gregormiller4037]

Great review. I think the newer one will get lots of use. Lookin' forward to a few charcoal/smoker cooks 😎

[@artbykcappadona5166]

Does it bother you that you can’t move the charcoal around without having to take the grate off the top of the grill? That’s the one big thing that’s possibly keeping me from getting the pro hibachi.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Don’t it can be moved with narrow tongs or a thin stick. I don’t usefully use for long cooks anyway, so not much need to ever add coals.

[@KatMa664]

@@BigLewBBQ well, for instance, today when I was barbecuing, I needed to move some coals because my flank steak was cooking too fast. And it was really hard to push them around through the great. But that’s what I had to do. On the other hand it’s wonderful to just be able to dump out that ash and not have to lift the whole 25 pound grill to get it out of there. So I am at a tossup whether I wanna spend the extra $50 or do I want to get an everdure for $85 which looks really close to the old lodge.

[@waynethebarber1095]

I would get the Camp Chef grill... its the Sportsman's grill with the right changes..... way better then the lodge....

[@BigLewBBQ]

After a year of use I really have come to enjoy the new Lodge grill.

[@waynethebarber1095]

@@BigLewBBQ Sorry to say, your a Lodge guy. And that's all well and good. I don't like what they did to us the buyer's. They could of sold both grills and let us choose. And I think Camp chef should call there grill The Sportsman's Grill . Lodge should call there grill,pro ... Sorry, it's just how I see it....

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@waynethebarber1095 Well I also have the Cajun Classic grill and like that, too. I’m sure the Camp Chef is a good grill as well.

[@waynethebarber1095]

@@BigLewBBQ I will be getting the Camp Chef more to toward summer. Just to have one. I have a nother grill called a IronMaster. The larger one they make. It's a squared off Sportsmans grill. It's very nice. It has the changes Lodge should of made. I wish I could make videos to send to KZbin. But I would shoot my mouth off, and say nasty things and get kicked off. Trust me, I have lots to say.... I think what Lodge did to us stinks. I will stop now before KZbin cuts me off before I even post. Thanks for all the videos you make...

[@parasinthephilippines]

An old adage. If it ain't broken don't fix it. Prefer the original. My own personal choice as an Irishman who gets to BBQ for two weeks every year.

[@BigLewBBQ]

I had no issue with the old one. Evidently Lodge had a reason to change it.

[@parasinthephilippines]

@@BigLewBBQ cost cutting. Just managed to buy the old model here in Dubai as we are months behind and there's always stock. So ordered myself two. At 55 I'm sure they will see me out. One here in Dubai and one home in the Philippines

[@godamgg4478]

@@parasinthephilippines but the new one weighs more, woudnt that be more expensive to produce?

[@parasinthephilippines]

@@godamgg4478 The old model would withstand a bomb. There was no real reason other than a brain fart to think they needed to tinker with a winner.

[@godamgg4478]

@@parasinthephilippines how? People complained that when one of the parts of the old one fell it cracked lol

[@saraipiano9293]

Thank you so much for the great video! Could you also use this grill with wood?

[@BigLewBBQ]

Yes I reckon so. I recently made an updated review of this grill a few weeks ago.

[@agfa663]

I own the old one and prefer it. I prefer to have access to the coals from the front. The draft door is also more convenient on the old one with a simple push with a utensil. I have the wilderness collectible one and it does not have the center logo.

[@candywong4697]

Thanks for your sharing and I from Hongkong

[@Bearbok]

You did a great job with this video

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@Bearbok thank you. I recently did an updated review

[@griddlecookeatandmore]

I like it. I just saw a video of a guy doing steaks on the old one and seen a few of your cooks and I want one especially for camping. Do you think you can cook on it on a plastic table without melting it?

[@BigLewBBQ]

No, put a 12”×¹2” ×1” concrete paving stone under it to insulate it from the plastic.

[@griddlecookeatandmore]

I thought it looked kind of close with the ash tray.

[@janstewart2041]

Same problem with the uneven stand. Had to hand tighten the nuts in order for it to sit straight. A lot smaller in real life lol

[@BigLewBBQ]

It’s a good grill.

[@aarons.936]

So they "fixed" something that wasn't broken. Great job lodge

[@BigLewBBQ]

It’s a good grill! I love it.

[@DooneyAddict615]

Picking mine up the weekend. I'm so excited...feel like a kid on Christmas morning!

[@BigLewBBQ]

It is a good grill, but it is not perfect. I’ve had time to use it a lot since I made this video. I will soon post a follow video mentioning some more good things and another bad thing about it.

[@ΑΣΑ-ρ3μ]

Όλοι είμαστε μεγάλα παιδιά. Απλά τα μικρά παιδιά, παίζουν με διαφορετικά παιχνίδια από τα μεγάλα παιδιά

[@michaelbarrow4341]

Will the Pro grill grate fit on the Sportsman’s body?

[@BigLewBBQ]

YES!! They are interchangeable.

[@at39degrees]

Got a sportsman on marketplace for 60.00 Works great, you can even take the grill part off and have a little campfire in it with wood after the cooking is done.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Yea you can!

[@claymcbunch1013]

I just found out Camp Chef makes a grill almost identical to the old sportsman grill. Only very minor differences

[@BigLewBBQ]

Yes they do

[@KASH4069]

Thinking about using a high heat spray paint on the shell of my sportsman grill. Of course not the grill grate itself. Any thoughts?? Is this considered a moral sin??

[@BigLewBBQ]

IDK it’s your grill. I used Stove polish once on the outside of my old Sportsman’s.

[@Denverscorpio]

Bsr owed lodge a lot of money, before bsr went bankrupt they gave lodge the design for everything bsr made.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Yes, I know. Thank you for sharing that, however. I was just trying to tell the gist of the story. I wasn’t trying to get to detailed. So I do appreciate you sharing this detail.

[@godamgg4478]

I never had any of those two grills, I am planning on buying it, should I get the new one or the old?

[@BigLewBBQ]

That’s your decision to make.

[@skepticaloptimist1917]

if you don't have the bale from an older model, it would be simple enough to make one from some heavy galvanized wire.

[@MrCastIron]

Great review bud!

[@normanrhone142]

Can see the plain practicality and simple common sense in the old school grill compared to the new grill.

[@BigLewBBQ]

I like the new one too.

[@sharonsanderson4514]

They need to make a metal carrying case like a lunch box to stick it in and that way you can pack it away for camping or anywhere else you going to store it. As a matter of fact here's the billion dollar idea you could use it also for carrying case and a food warmer adding another product to their line they could make a bowl that inserts down into the carrier metal carrier and when you're cooking it's keeping your food warm when you're done then you put it all back together cool

[@georgecurtis6463]

Yea, I have the older one. Glad I do because the new one does absolutely nothing for me. Hate the handles and the charcoal grate setup on the new one.

[@BigLewBBQ]

The is not bad. However, I really do like the styling of the old one.

[@papajeff5486]

I like the new, handsome Lodge Grill. Thing is, it’s small, heavy cast iron. It’s a chore to carry and clean…and not cheap. What makes it BETTER than a light, $20, stamped out steel grill, that’s easy to clean? Oh, it lasts longer? Does it? You sure? I’ve had a cheap, little Weber for decades, replaced the charcoal bed grill and the cooking grill, once, it didn’t cost a leg and it’s versatile, light and easy…and, new, they’re still less than half the price of the new Lodge Grill.

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@papajeff5486 touché

[@brucesheehe6305]

I notice that other producers - from China - are making and selling the old version of the Lodge Sportsman's Grill on Amazon.

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@brucesheehe6305 Urs they are, the Patton expired.

[@joesmith7427]

How much do each of them weigh??

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@joesmith7427 IDK

[@jacklope1]

I like this grill and love my lodge cast iron skillet. I use it nearly every day. But, I can't really understand this Sportsman Grill. Just get a Webber Smokey Joe. The Webber is more affordable, lighter weight and easier to care for.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Touché

[@algorbeeks7838]

Losing the fire door removed the access for using firewood, so it's just a hibachi

[@BigLewBBQ]

It’s a good grill anyway, I used it for steaks today.

[@唐亮-j4p]

Here are a couple of tips that make assembly slightly easier kzbin.infoUgkxCx5fHawkK9OoV-ojFrY8JLnZrFwAmvUt . 1) One person can assemble, but if you have a buddy to help, it will make it go faster - especially steps 1-3 and 8 (the legs aren't heavy but can be difficult to hold while screwing things in). Step 8, 1st part will take some time unless you have two more hands OR are really lucky. 2) Use a socket wrench! 3) Step 7, 3rd part - the flame carry over tube has an open side, MAKE SURE THE OPEN SIDE IS FACING THE FRONT. If it's facing the back, the tube won't work. 4) Step 10, 3rd part - if you don't have small hands (I don't, they're gigantic) getting the nut on is really difficult (but not impossible). It took me about 4 hours to assemble, but I took a "union break" every 60-90 minutes and ate a quick lunch. Also, I'm really OCD so I took my time, looked at the instructions carefully, and cleaned up as I went.

[@janstewart2041]

DeWalt has some long cases that may fit

[@truneilson]

If Lodge was thinking they'd put their logo in reverse... so it's good in the grill marks! Know your customer base!!!

[@CWfist]

I was wondering about this grill, and all I can find is the "new" design, To be honest, I hate it, lost its attractiveness and it has a higher price tag, I will search for s used in Ebay but I have seen copies made abroad, and much cheaper , Your review helped me to make up my mind, go for the old style

[@BigLewBBQ]

I like the new one very much. The old style is not with out issues either.

[@jasonsodyssey]

Love it

[@bvazdiniz]

Great vid!!!

[@robertleslie2467]

Nope. My original Lodge Sportsman's Grill has been better than any girlfriend since back in the 90's. I haven't used charcoal in years. Wood only. Camping. Fishing. And my back porch. Always hated the bail. Threw it away and got a pair of heavy duty leather gloves to finagle the grill with when necessary. I can't imagine any 'thang better than this grill. Mahalo.

[@sumsum8970]

Go directly to 5'39".

[@captjack5090]

"since Moby Dick was a minnow" 🤣

[@Maleezza]

Take a grinder to the rails & make it flat again.

[@atvridingtrail]

Merci mec👍

[@johnwood551]

Just grind the ridges off and re-season.

[@BigLewBBQ]

It works fine once I loosened, it.

[@jackiefitzpatrick2906]

Dont like Pro at all. Wobbly base if camping..old 3 legged version is stable. Wire handles arent easy to use. No charcoal door....in a Pro ? They went cheap on the Pro.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Well the wobbly base is due to over tightening. I have used mine for a year and a half and I do like much better now than I did at first. Even so your points are very valid.

[@EricPetersen2922]

Old style is much better

[@mrboat580]

Grind the ridges off.

[@BigLewBBQ]

It works great as is. I love it.

[@wildcarddarr4821]

Anyone use this in a restaurant

[@waynethebarber1095]

The new pro grill is a hunk of junk! The big boys were looking for something to " upgrade" the history of the true Sportsmen goes back to the 1920-30's !!! There here were dutch ovens to fit the old one . The big boys were just looking to keep up The time's. It's time they bring the old one back.vthey would sell a tone. You can pray all you want but it gone forever.... Lodge better wake up. And make what we want and we will buy it. And stop ram roding crap to us!!!! Make both, and let us buy what we want!!!!!

[@BigLewBBQ]

The old one was good but not perfect. The new one is good but not perfect. Those old oval Dutch ovens still fit the new one. IDK why Lodge changed it, but I’m glad Lodge still makes a cast iron grill.

[@waynethebarber1095]

@@BigLewBBQ I got one made in China that looks like a squared off Sportsman grill. Its what Lodge should of done. It's not a Sportsmen grill but it works ... The old dutch ovens had the same lines as the LSG, now it's like putting a square peg in a round hole. It just don't work.... Lodge smoked us .... They should sell both.... I will never trust Lodge again....

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@waynethebarber1095 I do think Lodge should sell all three of there grills. Bring the original back.

[@99Victor]

Over 5mins of talking, oh My!

[@BigLewBBQ]

I know too short. I could have made it a 50 minute long college class lecture.

[@lornaz1975]

I do not like that new grill. I'm glad I have one of the old ones. You can't line the bottom easily with aluminum foil to keep it clean, the shape of the grill slits conduct less heat, can't feed it more coal. Just don't like it.

[@BigLewBBQ]

It’s grown on me since I made this video. I really do like it.

[@lornaz1975]

@@BigLewBBQ Have you done or going to do an update vid? Things you like about it?

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@lornaz1975 well I have made several cooking videos with it. I will probably do an update before the Christmas shopping season, if not next February when it’s a year old.

[@grolmos]

Over 5 minutes in the beginning can be deleted

[@BigLewBBQ]

Or you could have skipped it.

[@glenmaise8184]

Take it for what it's worth but you talk too much

[@BigLewBBQ]

Yes I do! I could talk all day. I have the gift of gab.

[@haroldmaduro3788]

Talk to mucho,pls show the product

[@BigLewBBQ]

Skip ahead.

[@kennethwood713]

why does the slide have holes drilled in it? If it just slides back and forth, the holes are beveled to accept screws , wtf ? asking for a friend, I'm restoring one and that doesn't make any since

[@BigLewBBQ]

the old one or new one?